Fly Fishing

dax

i so far have been lucky enough to fish in good conditions, although i feel my luck is running out. so i am wondering how do fishing conditions change in weather such as a little rain or wind or just overcast. do they feed more on top, on nymphs, on spinners falling out of the air ect. thx for the help

flymaw · Location: SC

Well when it rains the river is going to rise, current will increase and it will get muddy. Usually if it rains a lot ill throw some streamers and buggers (with sink tips if current is strong). I have thrown dries in a light rain but never in anything substantial. Nymphing works but once again its going to depend on just how much rain fell and what the river is like. But a good rain can really wash out a river and make it tough and wading can be dangerous too. Wind wont really effect much here on the east coast except your casting. But I havent fished to much open water with the exception of a few dams so it may be different out west. Hope this helps.

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

quinn · Location: So. Maine

Uh Oh! Marshall had a bad day....

It really depends on what the river typically does during a rain event.
Does it muddy up? Don't bother throwing dries. Bugs aren't hatching, so fish aren't looking. Nymphing can do OK, but you're going to need to be right on the bottom for a fish to see it. Bright streamers are your best bet, because fish will be "stressed" and willing to move, if the meal is worth the effort.

Does the river just rise, but stay clear? If the fish are used to a rise in water levels, they will move to different lies to conserve energy. This is where you need to know the typical bugs that hatch on that river. You'll still need to be near the bottom, but the fish won't shut down. In fact there might be an influx of fish into the river.

Wind isn't going to effect the fish as much as the hatches. Bugs are still hatching, but fish will be feeding on their stages below the surface.

Overcast is better than bright sun. Fish can see better in bright sun. That means they can see YOU!
Also, bugs will begin to hatch more in overcast than bright sun.

Don't forget Barometer changes.

I LOVE being at a river about 2-3 days after a decent rain event. As the river level drops the fish turn ON!

The best way - go fish. This is most fun! Figure out your river. Reading can only do so much.

dax · Posted: Thu 07/22/10 1:23 pm Post subject:

never

dax · Posted: Thu 07/22/10 2:04 pm Post subject:

TOMWIGS · Location: Shawnee Mission, Ks USA

First of all, Marshall, you're an idiot. If you don't like the questions, don't take the time to answer and call somebody out regardless of their age. One of the great things about this sport is how people share information, on websites and most, even on the stream. I don't know if Dax is 13 or not, but I'm 61 and have been flyfishing for 30 years and most days it is still hard. But I love it. And if it weren't for many wonderful people who have helped me over the years it would be a lot harder, and I wouldn't enjoy it near as much. So Dax, keep asking the questions and hopefully someone in this great community of flyfisherman will take the time to answer you in a positive manner. We all need all the young flyfisherman we can get.

Secondly, I agree with everything Quinn had to say and add that IMO overcast days are great. Especially if you are fishing dries. I've been out on days when I couldn't get a thing to hit and when the sun went behind a cloud the fish turned on. When the sun came back out they turned off.

Thirdly, to add to Quinn's last paragraph, don't limit your flyfishing to only fishing for trout on streams. Local ponds , even in housing developments or office parks are great for catching bluegills and bass with poppers and foam terrestrials! Even the little creeks and streams can be fun right in town. Hook a 6 lb carp sometime and hang on! Good luck.

dax · Posted: Thu 07/22/10 2:15 pm Post subject:

hey thx man.i actually have been going to a pond i live next to everyday and been catching a ton of bass. its ssoo much fun. im actually going later.
and also wow 30 years of fly fishing. thats gatta b great. have fun with the 30 years coming up!

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

Oh boy I am sorry....Dax, I honestly thought you were trolling so I blew my top. Now that I know you are serious, and that you are a younger beginning fisher...well, please accept my appology.

Hey, I'd be happy to give you info on how fish behave in various weather conditions. Send me a PM anytime and I'll try to help...

Firstly, make sure you go whenever you can go. And take a net seine so you can see the aquatic life close up. Cloudy, rainy days are good for hatching bugs year-round.

These other posters will fisll you in just fine as well.

dax · Posted: Thu 07/22/10 9:52 pm Post subject:

hey man its fine like i said i can see where yur coming from. hey i saw that yur a guide im florida. will u still b doing trips at the end of october?

Valentin · Location: Vienna

dax,

although I am 34 already, I was introduced to flyfishing only 6 yrs ago. Since my very first flyfishing trip, I could never imagine myself getting engaged on any other sort of fishing. At the beginning, I used to hate bad weather, while now I really like fishing when the weather is bad. What you can do is, get as much information as you can on the waters you usually fish. Well, US and Austria where I live are two different countries when it comes to fishing waters and also fish population, but I still think that there are rivers and stremas which get dirty and rise only after a day or two of heavy rain. In summer I rarerly use streamers, even when it rains heavily. Heavy nymphs work well, at least I have had a lot of fish on them. What I enjoy most is the days when there is a bit of rain during the whole day, and when spinner flies are on the surface. That's when I use dry flies and it is my favourite fishing day

Have fun and keep us posted with your stories and catches

dax · Posted: Tue 02/22/11 6:31 pm Post subject:

to all of you thanks again!! it seems i have a new problem now though.. withdrawl!!! i havnt been able to get any1 to take me allll winter and im dieing here!!! i cant wait for april 1st!!!!!!!

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

dax,

stick around the site and keep asking questions. You'll get an invite sometime. Good luck this season. Smile

dax · Posted: Tue 02/22/11 10:56 pm Post subject:

Haha i'll be sure to check up on the site more often now that spring is near!!! good luck to you too this season! should be fun Smile